cabezadecaballo
Well-known member
a ferrous alloy ?
Did you see that Honda McCord came off the draft board before the "steel of the draft"?
2025 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Thread starter Crusaders
- Start date
Did you see that Honda McCord came off the draft board before the "steel of the draft"?
cabezadecaballo
Well-known member
Quinn Ewers was just picked
cjb5656
Well-known member
The best ever rated high school senior QB. Didn’t know what was so special about him then, still don’t know now.
cabezadecaballo
Well-known member
He was probably sent to all the right camps, and bought all their swag merch
wolves82
Highly Respected Expert
Well, you got a couple of grade A kids from the Buckeyes. As a Browns fan this pains me. I will find it impossible to root against Howard and Sawyer. Good luck to them both. This feels like when Dobbins went to the Ravens.
I fully expect Howard to be the answer at QB long-term for you. Not the most dazzling talent, but he has the size, mobility and smarts. Pretty accurate arm. Plus he is an actual grown up and a leader.
I fully expect Howard to be the answer at QB long-term for you. Not the most dazzling talent, but he has the size, mobility and smarts. Pretty accurate arm. Plus he is an actual grown up and a leader.
clarkgriswold
Well-known member
Amen, the Steelers are on pause to wait for an arrogant kook whose primary priority is always going to be himself.
WJ-OSU-STEELERS
Well-known member
As much as I would love for see Howard be the Steeler QB of the future, he lasted until the 6th round for a reason. Howard is most likely a career backup at best. Howard has some physical skills and some great intangibles but his passing is suspect which again, is why he lasted until the 6th round.
Sawyer has some talent but he will at best be the 4th OLB/edge on the roster and mostly contribute in special teams in 2025. Herbig is a very talented player but it’s difficult to get playing time behind Watt & Highsmith.
Last edited:
ditto on the first part. I think you're wrong on Sawyer. not sure why you're worried about 2026. I think he finds a way on the field and makes an impact. not saying he's every down starter immediately but is good enough to provide a break to AH and TW when needed.
WJ-OSU-STEELERS
Well-known member
Sorry I meant a special teams contributor in 2025. Sawyer will only see the field in 2025 due to injury to either Watt, Highsmith or Herbig. Herbig is the unquestioned top edge backup and would be a starter on virtually any other team in the NFL. Herbig ranked 17th by PFF last year on 433 snaps for edge defenders, he finds the ball & creates turnovers. The kid can flat out play but is behind 2 of the Top 10 edge rushers in the league in Watt & Highsmith.
Watt, Highsmith & Herbig all can into the league at around 240-250 lbs and ran a 4.7. Sawyer is a bit thicker at 260 and I would guess is closer to 4.8. He is projected to be strongest against the run and will need to improve his pass rush skills. Sawyer had a great 2nd half of the season last year and will never have to buy a beer in Columbus thanks to his sack, strip, scoop & score vs Texas. However, he & JTT had good senior seasons in part because they were 22/23 years old with a lot of experience. If you recall when OSU DC Knowls first year at OSU he moved Sawyer to his rover/monster position which put him in space quite a bit. He did ok but was moved back to DE the next season. In the Steelers 3-4/nickle, Sawyer will occasionally be asked to drop on coverage so he will need to work on that as well.
In 2026, Watt could be gone as a FA so Sawyer would be the top edge reserve behind Highsmith & Herbig. The Steeler D always needs playmakers at OLB/edge. Sawyer has a good shot at becoming another great Steeler OLB/edge defender.
nupanther
Well-known member
Will Howard is a slightly better version of JT Barrett
I cannot forsee TJ leaving Pittsburgh at this stage of his career. If anything Pittsburgh keeps their high profile players a bit too long. If TJ leaves after 2026 its because he's missed significant time due to injury IMO
I cannot forsee TJ leaving Pittsburgh at this stage of his career. If anything Pittsburgh keeps their high profile players a bit too long. If TJ leaves after 2026 its because he's missed significant time due to injury IMO
I keep hope alive........that he does not sign.
In Kaboly's recent Steelers Mailbag on social media, he was asked when Rodgers would come "home." Here was his answer:
"I assume you mean Pittsburgh when you say 'home.' I am glad you are finally listening to what I’ve said for two months now (I forgive you). I say May 22, but definitely before OTAs start on May 27."
Report: Aaron Rodgers expected to give Steelers an answer by OTAs
Aaron Rodgers is reportedly nearing a decision, with the Steelers expecting a decision ahead of OTAs.
WJ-OSU-STEELERS
Well-known member
I don’t know if it matters if Rodgers signs or not. With Rodgers the ceiling is probably a 10 wins with a slight chance at one playoff win. Without Rodgers, the ceiling is probably 9 or 10 wins and if they make the playoffs a one & done.
2025 is important for:
* finding out if the two OT’s can play or not
* development of rookie DT Harmon & RB Johnson
* the decision on extending TJ Watts contract as he is a FA at the end of this season
* continued development of C Frazier, OG McCormick, CB Porter, LB Wilson & headcase WR Pickens. This is the core of the Steelers future.
* I can’t imagine Howard playing much, if at all. If he plays & somehow shows he can be the QB of the future - Great.
In the 2026 draft the Steelers will have 11 picks; each of the 7 round picks and projected additional 3rd, 4th, 6th and 5th rd compensatory pick that could possibly move up to a 3rd. The Steelers QB of the future will probably/hopefully be drafted in 2026.
2025 is important for:
* finding out if the two OT’s can play or not
* development of rookie DT Harmon & RB Johnson
* the decision on extending TJ Watts contract as he is a FA at the end of this season
* continued development of C Frazier, OG McCormick, CB Porter, LB Wilson & headcase WR Pickens. This is the core of the Steelers future.
* I can’t imagine Howard playing much, if at all. If he plays & somehow shows he can be the QB of the future - Great.
In the 2026 draft the Steelers will have 11 picks; each of the 7 round picks and projected additional 3rd, 4th, 6th and 5th rd compensatory pick that could possibly move up to a 3rd. The Steelers QB of the future will probably/hopefully be drafted in 2026.
Last edited:
OldSoulon
Well-known member
In Kaboly's recent Steelers Mailbag on social media, he was asked when Rodgers would come "home." Here was his answer:
"I assume you mean Pittsburgh when you say 'home.' I am glad you are finally listening to what I’ve said for two months now (I forgive you). I say May 22, but definitely before OTAs start on May 27."
Report: Aaron Rodgers expected to give Steelers an answer by OTAs
Aaron Rodgers is reportedly nearing a decision, with the Steelers expecting a decision ahead of OTAs.sports.yahoo.com
He’ll sign before OTAs, then not attend them.
nupanther
Well-known member
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/
If you go to 2026 QB it will show the top recruits. Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Lanoris Sellers, Drew Allar, Nico previously from Tennessee. Hopefully Im wrong but it seems to be a 2025 repeat. Arch couldnt beat out Ewers. Nussmeier and Klybnik didnt wow me. Drew Allar has Trubisky written all over him. Sellers numbers were pedestrian ( but I know nothing about him except his numbers). And We all know about Nico.
I have my doubts about 2026 and future QBs
Last edited:
He'll sign after he has exhausted all of the attention he's getting from the media and then announce on McAfee show after the host has spent a few days teasing his appearance.
“Authenticity is everything! You gotta wake up and be proud of the person in the mirror,” Aaron Rodgers once mused, his words dripping with the zen-like clarity of a man who’s mastered the art of the Hail Mary. But on May 3, 2025, the four-time MVP found himself in a different kind of spotlight—one that didn’t involve footballs or fourth-quarter comebacks.
Instead, Rodgers was sipping mint juleps at Churchill Downs, rocking a dapper Derby Day suit, and—according to fans—ghosting Mike Tomlin harder than a Tinder date. The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach had reportedly been courting the ex-New York Jets QB for weeks, hoping to lure him out of free agency. But as Rodgers clinked glasses at the Kentucky Derby, social media erupted: “Taking care of personal issues, eh?” scoffed one fan, while another deadpanned, “Who gives a...”
Instead, Rodgers was sipping mint juleps at Churchill Downs, rocking a dapper Derby Day suit, and—according to fans—ghosting Mike Tomlin harder than a Tinder date. The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach had reportedly been courting the ex-New York Jets QB for weeks, hoping to lure him out of free agency. But as Rodgers clinked glasses at the Kentucky Derby, social media erupted: “Taking care of personal issues, eh?” scoffed one fan, while another deadpanned, “Who gives a...”
Last edited:
wolves82
Highly Respected Expert
I can think of at least one other 6th round QB that turned out OK. Howard's intangibles and work ethic will cause him to improve annually.
Last year was Howard's first year with a coaching staff that knows how to develop a pro-style passing game, and we all saw his marked improvement over his K-State days in terms of passing accuracy. Maybe he cannot throw it through a brick wall, but he is big, strong, mobile and smart, will get even better at reading defenses and accuracy, almost certainly.
Believe me, I wish the Steelers would not be the beneficiary here, but they will be.
wolves82
Highly Respected Expert
I did not say Howard was the guy this year. I said he would develop into a long-term answer at QB. Clearly he needs the right situation and organization, and Pittsburgh could be it.
Aside from depth and special teams I see a role for Sawyer.
Overall during his career At OSU he was a stronger run defender than pass rusher.
TJ is not getting any younger, and I think they might be planning to try to use Sawyer in obvious run situations and run downs and bring TJ in for pass rush. That would reduce the total # of snaps for TJ which would hopefully keep him fresh for late in the season and possibly extend his career.
I never felt Sawyer became the pass rusher he was predicted to be coming out of HS, but we’ve seen how TJ will work with younger guys to share his moves. If he takes Sawyer under his wing the way he did Highsmith and Herbig, Sawyer could become good enough to take TJs role when he moves on - assuming Highsmith and/or Herbig are on the opposite side.
WJ-OSU-STEELERS
Well-known member
Will Howard is making an early good impression on the Steelers QB coach as he contacted him the day after the draft asking for the playbook.
Howard did a interview with former HC Jon Gruden, it was a pretty good 45 minute watch.
Gruden stated the he believed the Steelers got a steal with Howard in the 6th round. Good guy, tough, big, strong, can move….now if only he can play qb at the NFL level!
steelersnow.com
Howard did a interview with former HC Jon Gruden, it was a pretty good 45 minute watch.
Gruden stated the he believed the Steelers got a steal with Howard in the 6th round. Good guy, tough, big, strong, can move….now if only he can play qb at the NFL level!
Former NFL HC Thinks Steelers Got One of Biggest Steals of Draft
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers got one of the biggest steals in the 2025 NFL Draft in QB Will Howard.
steelersnow.com
Don't forget Payton Wilson. I really like him.
Pickens to the Cowboys??????Will Howard is making an early good impression on the Steelers QB coach as he contacted him the day after the draft asking for the playbook.
Howard did a interview with former HC Jon Gruden, it was a pretty good 45 minute watch.
Gruden stated the he believed the Steelers got a steal with Howard in the 6th round. Good guy, tough, big, strong, can move….now if only he can play qb at the NFL level!
Former NFL HC Thinks Steelers Got One of Biggest Steals of Draft
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers got one of the biggest steals in the 2025 NFL Draft in QB Will Howard.
WJ-OSU-STEELERS
Well-known member
It’s been rumored since before the draft. Pickens is a great talent but a mental midget. Sometimes you are better with less talent - this is quite possibly the case with Pickens.
The Steelers should get at least a 2026 3rd, hopefully a 2nd rd pick for Pickens. Then go out & sign FA Keenan Allen, Rodgers likes vet wr’s. Metcalf & Pickens have similar skill sets, they each are great at going & getting the ball.
If Pickens stays, that’s fine. If he goes, that’s fine.
Irwin20
Well-known member
That’s fine. The issue for me is there really a franchise QB in next years draft? None of the names I keep seeing impress me. Obviously I’m not an NFL scout. I keep hearing the Manning kid…what has he done?
Pickens traded to Dallas.
www.espn.com
Cowboys reach trade for Steelers WR Pickens
The Cowboys and Steelers have agreed to a trade that will send George Pickens to Dallas, where he will team up with CeeDee Lamb at wide receiver.